START DATE: JULY 2020 - WWW.HIGHMEADOWS.ORG ROSWELL, GA HEAD OF SCHOOL
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High Meadows School
Roswell, GA
Head of School
Start Date: July 2020
www.highmeadows.org
Fast Facts
School type: Independent, progressive,
non-sectarian, co-ed
Camp: Traditional Day Camp, three 3-week
sessions throughout summer
Year established: 1973
High Meadows School Total School enrollment: 317
& Camp Mission Total Camp enrollment: 800
Students of color: 14%
The High Meadows community celebrates Total year-round faculty and staff: 78
and perpetuates each individual’s quest Seasonal Camp staff: 140
for knowledge and skill, sense of wonder, Average faculty tenure: 7 years
and connection to the natural environment. Faculty holding advanced degrees: 70%
We empower each to be a compassionate, Student/teacher ratio: 10:1
responsible, and active global citizen. Campus acres: 42
Overview
There is no school or camp like High Meadows. Beginning with its youngest students and carrying
through all levels, High Meadows is focused on developing future global citizens and innovative
leaders who embrace challenge and think for themselves. As a leader in progressive education, High
Meadows School and Camp focuses on Pre-K through Eighth Grade programming.
The experiential curriculum at High Meadows emphasizes whole-child development, love of learning,
critical thinking, and environmental and social responsibility. Students and Campers experience
immersive educational opportunities provided in the classrooms and across its grassy fields and
scenic woodlands.
• High Meadows Early Years and Elementary students (Pre-K through Fifth Grade) participate
in the Primary Years Programme with an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World
School curriculum. A place of learning and laughter, High Meadows is committed to exceptional
individualized instruction with two lead teachers in each classroom and low student-to-teacher
ratios.
• The High Meadows Middle School experience is built on strong relationships between students
and teachers. Equipped by a curriculum designed to provide opportunities for critical judgment,
problem-solving skills, and self-advocacy, middle school students expand their abilities for in-
depth learning, reflection, and action.
• High Meadows Camp is offered to students aged 3-14, as a traditional day camp throughout the
summer in three-week sessions. While the guiding principles are the same as the school, the
camp goals are unique to provide campers a sense of adventure, wonder, and respect for the
outdoors and camp community.
If this fits your philosophy on education, come join the school on the Meadow!
High Meadows is seeking a Head of School, effective May 2020. An Interim Head of School has
been appointed to serve the school for the 2019-2020 academic year.
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 2 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
Diversity & Inclusion
Statement
The High Meadows community values and
supports diversity in all its dimensions,
including but not limited to each person’s
unique combination of race, ethnicity, gender
identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic
status, age, physical ability, learning style,
religious beliefs, political views, perspectives,
and life experiences.
By embracing diversity, we expand our
understanding of others, stimulate our own
learning and growth, and connect with one
another and the world. Moving beyond
simple tolerance builds a safe, positive, and
nurturing environment that expands each
individual’s enduring sense of belonging and
significance.
The School
While exploring the land that is now the High Meadows campus, forward-thinking educators Jody
Holden, Bill Crawford, Jay Dickerson, and Michael Drake conceived the idea of a progressive school
and summer day camp designed to emphasize exploration, discovery, and multi-age learning. At that
time, the property was part of the former residence of Mr. and Mrs. Nat Franklin and was known as
Franklin Farm. In honor of the 40+ sprawling acres sitting atop one of the highest points in Roswell,
the new owners and founders named it High Meadows.
That was nearly 50 years ago, and still the school is unlike any other. Diversity, discovery, adventure,
and play go hand-in-hand with extraordinary academic preparation and exemplary student outcomes.
From ages 3 to 14, students feel at home in a nurturing and safe environment that encourages them
to take risks, explore new interests, and learn who they are as people. This is where they learn the
most, succeed in the greatest ways, and become their best selves.
The school’s dedicated faculty lead each student on a journey of interactive, inquiry-based instruction,
supported by of-the-moment technology and a nature-based campus. High Meadows teachers are
unmatched in their intellect, passion, and compassion for students. Faculty have an average of 16
years of teaching experience, and average 75 hours of annual professional development participation.
High Meadows is accredited by or affiliated with the National Association of Independent Schools,
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, Southern Association of Independent
Schools, Georgia Independent School Association, and Atlanta Area Association of Independent
Schools.
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 3 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
Academics The school uses a progressive approach to education that encourages students to collaborate, make discoveries, and apply what they learn to the world beyond school. In a progressive classroom, students learn to be clear communicators, collaborative problem solvers, critical thinkers, compassionate leaders, discerning researchers, creative artists, and responsible citizens. While students master foundational academic building blocks across core subjects, they build a deeper understanding of the significance, interconnectedness, and relevance of their learning. The school believes that teaching is about engaging and connecting, not reciting and repeating. Teachers inspire children to ask the next question, explore what matters to them, and become respectful self-advocates. On campus, it is common to see students outdoors and in classrooms observing, measuring, discussing, and hypothesizing. Academic study at High Meadows is hands- on and interactive, creating critical thinkers for whom learning is a natural part of their every day, at school, and elsewhere. Learning through experience takes many shapes within the curriculum. Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten The preschool and pre-kindergarten programs at High Meadows School are distinct for many reasons, including their small class sizes and extensive outdoor time, how teachers are attuned to each child’s needs, and the friendly and inclusive environment. Each school day, teachers encourage students to explore their interests, engage in joyful discovery, and develop respectful connections to the natural environment. A highlight for these youngest learners is playing with the school’s friendly farm animals, including bunnies, chickens, goats, and sheep. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 4 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
One important differentiator of the preschool and pre-kindergarten programs is that the teachers include play-based learning in the classrooms. They encourage students to learn about the world by experimenting with it, tinkering with items found in classrooms and in nature, and interacting with one another. During their play, children practice important problem solving, communication, and social- emotional skills, and begin academic learning. Early Years (Kindergarten – Third Grade) Early childhood is the time when children’s learning profiles and attitudes about education are forming. To nurture this, teachers cultivate Kindergarten through Third Grade students’ natural curiosity and provide them with tools and opportunities to learn through discovery, supporting and guiding them along the way. At this level, classrooms are configured in multi-age configurations based on enrollment numbers. The Early Years curriculum focuses on core subject content, critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity. Through the IB Primary Years Programme, students inquire and learn in classrooms rich in experiential materials, global perspective, and cross-disciplinary learning. One of the most unique features of the program is Connections classes. Connections provide learning experiences that enable students to link academic and extra-curricular disciplines in meaningful ways that are critical to the full educational experience. Students participate in the following classes and activities weekly or bi-weekly, depending on their grade level: visual arts, theater arts, music, library, instructional technology, Spanish, physical education, environmental education, and pony rides/animal care. Elementary Years (Fourth and Fifth Grades) Designed very differently than other private elementary schools, the Elementary Years for a student at High Meadows are spent in a multi-age classroom with a two-year curriculum. Students in Fourth and Fifth Grade classes use skills acquired in Early Years to analyze a broader range of information The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 5 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
and ideas on deeper levels. As elementary students grow in maturity and ability, they also become more responsible for goal-setting and self-evaluations, as well as designing and maintaining a collaborative classroom culture. They also attend their first overnight class trips in which teachers and students can expand on the learning experience as well as support self-advocacy and confidence. Continuing with the IB PYP curricular framework, Fourth and Fifth Grade students further develop as global citizens through exposure to issues that cross geographic boundaries and subject areas. They become more responsible for their own learning, which includes developing their own unit of inquiry for Exhibition. A culmination of the PYP, Exhibition gives Fourth and Fifth Graders the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge acquired through their earlier learning years to a practical problem or issue. By investigating solutions and presenting their findings to the entire High Meadows community, students demonstrate the attributes of the learner profile and provide authentic assessment of understanding and development. Connections classes balance out learning by offering opportunities to discover passions and extend their understanding related to units of inquiry. These classes include visual arts, theater arts, music, library, instructional technology, Spanish, physical education, environmental education, and animal care. All Fifth Graders select an instrument to play in the Fifth Grade Band. Middle Years (Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grades) The unique High Meadows middle school experience is built on strong relationships between students and teachers. Teachers value students as individuals, nurturing self-awareness and empowering them to take responsibility for their learning. Lessons are organized using a variety of approaches including small group activities, discussion, lectures, individual conferencing, and research, responding to the needs of the class and individual students. Ownership of student learning is further supported through student-led conferences in which students identify their own strengths and opportunities for improvement along with goals. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 6 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
Equipped by a curriculum designed to provide opportunities for critical judgment, problem-solving
skills, and self-advocacy, students expand their abilities for in-depth learning, reflection, and action.
Students in Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grades acquire a solid academic grounding in the core
subject areas of English, math, social studies, science, and Spanish within a structure of themes.
Cross-disciplinary projects and investigations help students identify the interconnectedness of the
world and people around them. As a result, graduates are known to be exceptional critical thinkers,
writers, innovators, communicators, and self-advocates.
Throughout the year, students also enroll in a variety of electives called mini-courses. These classes
offer a wider variety of opportunities to be introduced to something new or pursue a passion. A
few classes are required of all middle school students to ensure they acquire necessary skills
and exposure to technology, visual arts, performing arts, and physical education; others provide
opportunities to further develop an area of interest or encounter new subjects. Offerings vary year-
to-year, but mainstays include debate, music/band ensembles, technology, life skills, theater and
production programs, philosophy, fine arts, product design, outdoor living skills, and yearbook staff.
A cornerstone of the Middle Years student experience is an annual class trip. Each grade participates
in carefully designed student and teacher only week-long trips that immerse the students in a specific
area of study while reinforcing life skills that support confidence and social emotional development.
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 7 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
School Life High Meadows is a school rooted in community. Families and faculty share a mutual commitment to children, education, and positive impact that creates an environment where relationships and learning flourish. Far more than an academic institution, High Meadows is a community seen in action at activities throughout the year that include family picnics, school festivals, the annual Meadow Mile walk/run, sporting events, and two annual overnight campouts by the tipi, among others. Because students and faculty want to do so much more than the school day allows, the school offers a full schedule of team-based activities and extra-curricular programs. They range in age, interest, and ability, offering a wide array of profound learning opportunities. Options include the 12-time state champion Middle Years Debate program, band ensembles (Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, iPad Ensemble, and Drumline), the multi-age play, middle school cross country, 6-8 grade boys’ basketball, and girls’ ultimate frisbee. High Meadows also offers a wide selection of After-School Enrichment activities. Programs are offered on a rotating basis and are expanded and updated each year with new and exciting programs. Choices include band and music ensemble, robotics and technology, chess, karate, archery, Minecraft, art, soccer, yoga, and more. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 8 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
Camp Established in 1973, High Meadows Camp serves boys and girls ages four through rising Ninth Graders. Over 300 children show up each day to attend camp in a structured recreational program focusing on self-improvement, personal responsibility, and environmental respect. Multi-age groupings and co-counselors mirror the school model and values. Camp sessions are three weeks long, offering campers the opportunity to develop strong relationships with their peers and with their staff role models and giving them time for projects and skill development. High Meadows Summer Camp employs over 120 staff members each summer, including high school and college students, parents, teachers, and other professionals. The most seasoned staff member has been with High Meadows for over 45 years, and many staff members attended camp as campers. A Counselor-In-Training program for rising Tenth and Eleventh Graders encourages and fosters leadership and 21st century job skills while promoting a dynamic relationship with staff rich in history and tradition. Each week of summer highlights a core value held at High Meadows and offers counselors and campers a point of observation in their experience of camp. The Values include Communication, Respect, Community, Exploration, Cooperation, Confidence, Independence, Responsibility, and Reflection. The oldest campers (rising Fifth through Ninth Graders) are invited to participate in a Knighthood Program which encourages high-level competency and proficiency in seven different camp disciplines. Since 1982, only 79 campers have been knighted in a dramatic and emotional ceremony at Stonehenge, the gathering place for senior campers. High Meadows Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association, ensuring safe and quality programming and professional ethics in youth development. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 9 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
Campus High Meadow’s 42 acres of woods, meadows, and gardens provide the perfect outdoor classroom for daily learning and exploration. The rich and varied learning landscape complements and expands classroom learning. Each school day, the campus inspires students to engage in joyful discovery, develop respectful connections to the natural environment, and translate knowledge into meaningful action. The school is conveniently located near many Metro Atlanta areas, from Sandy Springs to Woodstock, Alpharetta to Marietta. The campus’s many buildings provide unique learning and community spaces for the High Meadow community. Franklin House is home to the main office and most of the administration. It is one of the two homes that remain on the property from when it was a working farm more than 50 years ago. The Barn Theater is a rustic performance space with full lighting and sound and is used to highlight the notable theater arts program. The Gold LEED certified Community Center hosts the basketball team, campus-wide events, monthly community gatherings, the educational speaker series, and many after-school programs. Classrooms are created to bring in as much natural light as possible to compliment outdoor learning spaces. High ceilings and flexible spaces allow students to move about and participate in interactive academic lessons. The library has print and digital resources, computer and digital production lab, and 3D printers. Included in the school’s 42 scenic acres is the Upper Meadow, which overlooks the entire campus and has a tipi, permanent campfire site, and climbing wall. Its crest is ringed by many rustic wooden cabins that host school and camp programs. The Lower Meadow includes two playgrounds, a soccer field, basketball court, four square court, and an archery range. A new barn and farmyard are home to the school’s family of animals: a horse, three ponies, rabbits, goats, sheep, and host of chickens. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 10 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
The school garden has bird feeding stations, butterfly and insect pollinators, flowers and herbs, and native plant landscapes. Students also enjoy the outdoor pool in physical education classes and team building elements, including a high ropes course. Roswell and Atlanta, Georgia The High Meadows campus is remarkable for its rural setting in the thriving North Atlanta suburb of Roswell on the northern banks of the Chattahoochee River. Only 30 minutes from Atlanta, Roswell feels like a small town with big city advantages. With a population close to 95,000, Roswell is filled with things to do, explore, and enjoy. Its historic locations, natural areas, quaint downtown scenes, urban charm, arts, and culture make one of the best suburbs to live in Georgia. A safe and family-oriented city, Roswell is overflowing with parks and green spaces for residents to enjoy. Azalea Park, Riverside Park, and Don White Park provide picnic areas, playgrounds, boat ramps, bicycling paths and multipurpose trails, fishing, outdoor fitness station, and more. The Old Mill Park Interpretive Trail is an enjoyable hike to see the Vickery Creek Waterfall and the beautiful Covered Pedestrian Bridge. Canton Street is a mile-long downtown area with local antique shops and boutiques, outdoor cafes, and restaurants. The city is a true “foodies” destination. From continental cuisine, down- home cooking, southern BBQ, cozy tea rooms, sidewalk cafes and elegant dining, and breweries, a culinary experience awaits. Residents enjoy monthly events such as the “Alive In Roswell” street party, the Riverside Sounds Concert Series, and organized bike rides. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 11 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
Over 130 square miles in size, the metropolitan area of Atlanta has an estimated population of 5.8 million and has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. In recent decades, the city has attracted business from both domestic and international corporations, hosted the Summer Olympics, greatly expanded its civic and cultural venues and activities, and is home to the nation’s busiest airport. As a major business center, Atlanta has the country’s third-largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies. Delta Air Lines is the city’s largest employer and operates one of the world’s largest airline hubs. Media powerhouses based in Atlanta include Turner Broadcasting Company, which began in the city, and CNN. Cox Communications is the nation’s third-largest cable service provider and publishes over a dozen newspapers, including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The city is a healthcare hub with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory Healthcare, the largest hospital system in the area. Atlanta is also home to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) with 15,000 employees, as well as Coca-Cola, UPS, and Home Depot. With more than 30 colleges and universities located in the city, Atlanta is a center for higher education. Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, and Georgia State University are some of the city’s most prominent institutions. Atlanta also has the largest consortium of historically black colleges, comprised of Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and the Interdenominational Theological Center. Atlanta’s cultural offerings are rich. Highlights include the High Museum of Art, Atlanta History Center, The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and The Center for Civil and Human Rights. The Carter Center was founded by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter to advance human rights worldwide and alleviate human suffering. Atlanta’s classical music scene includes the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Opera, and Atlanta Ballet. Opportunities and Challenges High Meadows embraces a genuine love for living and joy for learning. The respectful, open, carefully preserved culture of trusting children and caring for their educational journey is at the heart of the High Meadows experience. There is a sincere belief in the human potential and the interconnectedness of all persons with nature and the world, and this belief transcends the teaching and learning environment. The challenge of such a respectful culture is how to honor the pride of the past while also looking toward the future. Additionally, respecting every person does not mean trying to be all things to all people. High Meadows must maintain its individual unique personality while also messaging its uniqueness to more families whose children would benefit from the wisdom of a highly motivated and dedicated faculty. The next Head of School will need to embrace this culture fully and work strategically to envision a sustainable future. With the approaching 50-year anniversary, there will be many reasons to celebrate this new chapter of development. Desired Qualities and Qualifications The new Head of School will be leading a highly engaged, energized, and enthusiastic faculty all of whom are deeply devoted to the joy that is created from a pure progressive educational experience. The Board members are equally as engaged in the School and seeks a Head who will work in collaboration with them to promote the mission of High Meadows and provide vision for the future. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 12 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
The Head of School will need to possess the following qualities and qualifications:
• An outstanding team builder and coalition builder who will foster community while also holding
people accountable for results;
• A high performing relational and thoughtful leader who will connect genuinely with all constituents;
• A track record of high achievement, including experience implementing bold plans in a timely and
disciplined fashion;
• An articulate ambassador for progressive education and an advocate for all children;
• A strategic thinker who will empower people, facilitate conversations, build trust and believe in
the potential of all human beings, especially children.
• A leader who projects energy, enthusiasm, and passion for mission.
• An educator who has significant knowledge of teaching, learning, and school operations.
To Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one email and as separate
documents (preferably PDFs) the following materials:
• A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position;
• A current résumé;
• A one-page statement of educational philosophy and practice;
• A list of five professional references with name, phone number, and email address of each
(references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission) to:
Barbara Daush
Senior Consultant
barbara.daush@carneysandoe.com
Bill Christ
Senior Consultant
bill.christ@carneysandoe.com
The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates 13 search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.comYou can also read
